Tasting Trail Tasmania
North-West fisher Andrew Hursey is excited to showcase Hursey Seafoods during TrailGraze 2023. Picture supplied
TrailGraze is set to return this month, celebrating the incredible work of North-West food and beverage producers. Held over two big days on April 22-23, the event will feature more than 30 producers offering a wide range of beverages, cheese, meats, condiments, confectionery and seafood.
Chair of the Tasting Trail committee Catherine Stark said the 2023 event will build on the success of last year by creating a stronger focus on pairing the region's food and beverages, along with offering attendees access to workshops, behind-the-scenes tours and live music.
"We're looking forward to seeing the flow of people across the region, as we did last year, making a weekend of exploring from east to west, from west to east and in loops from the coastal hubs through the producer regions," Catherine said.
The Tasting Trail committee has collaborated with producers and tourism operators to create interactive online maps and recommended itineraries that enable visitors to engage deeply with the region's extraordinary agriculture.
"This year we're hoping to see more workshops and hands-on experiences, alongside the live music and great food and beverage experiences.
"Visitors can expect to visit four to six producers each day, with many of the events being free of charge. For the 'experience' activities, bookings will be essential as numbers will be limited," she said.
"Events are just starting to be uploaded onto the TrailGraze website, so watch this space over the next week or two and start planning your TrailGraze adventure."
More than 1,000 attendees enjoyed TrailGraze last year, with many visiting from interstate.
Renowned Stanley seafood company Hursey Seafoods have also signed up with the family-owned and operated business looking forward to a big weekend of sharing their delicious produce with visitors.
Established in 1973 by Jim and Val Hursey, the Stanley-based business has grown to include a fleet of vessels and a commercial property offering locals and tourists alike the opportunity to taste some of the freshest seafood in the world while enjoying views of the iconic 'Nut'.
Today, the business runs like a well-oiled machine with Jim and Val's son Mark operating the business alongside wife Anne and their four children Allison, Grant, Andrew and Steven.
The family said they are excited to be involved in the 2023 edition of TrailGraze and hope attendees will enjoy their fresh seafood offering.
"Our cool climate waters produce what I believe to be some of the best [and] freshest seafood in the world," Andrew Hursey said.
"The renowned Southern Rock Lobster (we call crayfish), that we are most famous for, is just one excellent example and we enjoy showcasing it for people who may not have tried it before or for those who are also huge seafood fans."
Andrew said the Hursey family welcomed the opportunity to showcase their menu, alongside specials, to highlight the different varieties of seafood on offer.
"I want people to enjoy the produce, be proud of our producers and also attract people to the fishing industry. I think we punch above our weight in Tasmania and it is important to be proud of what we all achieve."
Although Andrew said he'll be "flat out" keeping up with the supply during the event, he said he is also hoping to take some time over the weekend to explore other TrailGraze offerings in the area.
"If you haven't been to Stanley, do yourself a favour and head on up, it is well worth exploring The Nut and beaches - and pop into Hursey Seafoods for some fresh, local seafood."
For more information about TrailGraze producers, itineraries or to register, visit: trailgraze.com
*First published April 2023 for Tasmanian Farmer Newspaper - owned by Australian Community Media.